Vellore: Stressing the need for more women participation in science research, Tessy Thomas, director of Advanced Systems Laboratory in DRDO, said, “The country needs more women role models to attract younger generation towards science.”
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of International Women’s Day celebrations in VIT here on Friday, she said, “Only 15 per cent of the workforce at DRDO are women. We are planning to increase it to 50 per cent by 2030.”
She further said, “There is a lot of openings for women in pure science and as well as applied science in our country. When I joined here were only two-three women scientists. Today there are hundreds of scientists in DRDO.”
“The involvement of women in science is growing faster. The school students are very keen in scientific research and science careers,” she noted.
DRDO recently conducted successive tests of Agni IV and Agni V missiles. When asked when the missiles would be inducted into the armed forces she said, “It will happen in due course of time.”
Earlier speaking to young students she narrated her story of how she came out of the financial difficulties of her family to become the ‘Missile Woman’. “We need to dream to become something. You need to be dedicated, disciplined and determined,” she said.
Tessy Thomas also distributed prizes to the winners of various competitions conducted as part of the women’s day celebrations in the university.
VIT Chancellor G. Viswanathan said, “In rural India, only one girl out of 100 girls is reaching class 12. Around 40 per cent of the girls leave the school after class 5. Unless we take steps to retain them and train them in education, they may not able to participate in nation development.”
He said, “The women’s reservation bill is pending in parliament for several years. It is time now to take a decision and get the bill passed to ensure women participation in governance at the highest level.”
